The
PRIDE of
Montgomery
Proud of... Liz Sadie Sutton Winner of Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s
2012 Women of Distinction Award
Ms. Liz Braswell presenting the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s 2012 Women of Distinction Award to Ms. Liz Sadie Sutton.
Last month, I was invited to attend the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s 2012 Women of Distinction luncheon. The luncheon was fun, the food was great, the company at my table was enjoyable and the guest speaker was fabulous. The highlight of my day was meeting Liz Sadie Sutton, the recipient of the Women of Distinction Award. I was immediately drawn to her bright smile and joyous spirit and decided I wanted to find out more about this remarkable woman. I read a list of her accomplishments, achievements, honors, and the organizations to which she belongs. Liz Sadie Sutton holds a very impressive resume. She is president of both Alabama World Travel and Sutton & Associates, and has accomplished more locally and nationally than I could imagine, but when I went to her office and sat down with her, I was amazed at how quickly I went from interviewer to interviewee. I was doing all the talking. Liz was interested in me. Her success has come because she is genuinely interested in other people.
Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and Ms. Liz Sutton with local Girl Scouts, who were hosting and participating in the luncheon.
Her desire to help others has been seen in many ways, one of which is Partners in Catholic Education. Ms. Sutton saw an opportunity for local businesses to partner with schools to sponsor a classroom, and the huge impact this could have on an individual classroom. Partners in Catholic Education has worked toward the goal of funding every classroom in Montgomery’s Catholic schools. Through the group’s annual golf tournament, they cleared over half a million dollars last year for many upgrades including a computer lab, security system, and band uniforms. Another of Ms. Sutton’s passions is to teach the younger generation how to behave in the business world: how to carry themselves, how to shake someone’s hand, the benefits of a thank-you note, and how to be encouraging. She wants young people just entering the work force to realize that situations can be a win-win for everyone. Getting ahead doesn’t mean leaving someone else behind, a value she exemplifies in her own career.
Liz Sutton and her husband Bill Sutton, who recently celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary.
Ms. Sutton's businesses also give her the opportunity to help others by creating their dream vacation. Her travel businesses are “architects of dreams” and are geared toward helping families and friends create wonderful memories together. “Giving a gift of travel gives moments of joy that you will have forever. It’s not like anything else that you can give. Your greatest investment is family.” As many awards and honors as Liz Sadie Sutton has achieved, her biggest blessing has always been her family. Liz was one of nine children born to Jim and Edna Sadie. She is married to Bill Sutton, and they have three children: Kristen, 22 years old, who is in graduate school at Notre Dame; Thomas, 20 years old, who is studying at UAB; and Joseph, 17 years old, who will graduate from high school this year. “After my first baby was born, my children became everything to me.” Ms. Sutton’s success in her personal and professional life has not slowed her down. “There’s still so much I want to do,” she says, “My prayer is that I’ll have time to do it. I’m finding my spiritual life deepening as I realize what’s expected of us in the world.” by Emily Cobern
48